At first it seemed to me like this image conveys the sense of the assignment perfectly. Simple layout, lighting, subject, background. However, after I looked at it for a while I realized that the cutlery you used is actually fairly intricate in its pattern. I'm not quite decided yet if I like that or not.

On the one hand, I think it's likely the image would be better off with some extremely simple almost detail-less cutlery.

On the other, it can be interpreted that it represents the simplifying of something that is usually lavish and fancy for someone down to the bare necessities (or, probably less than that even..).

Thanks Kamil. My cutlery drawer is full of that style stuff, I just pulled it out without thinking. My focus for 'simplicity' was on the meal, place setting, and lighting itself. I didn't even think of the cutlery, as you have. Your next comment about the simplifying of something that is usually lavish fits nicely though.